Newbie rider newbie KB

[naughty]

Hey Kiwibikers Ive recently taken up riding again and joined up as a KiwiBiker. I first got my leg over a bike (CB250RS piece of shit) when I was 18 before I had a cage license. Did my leaners and restricted but didnt learn much about technique and consequently slid down the road. Brought a cage to keep my mum happy but regretted it ever since.

Two months ago my flatmate let me ride his 250 Hornet which I immediately fell in love with. Fortunately it was for sale so it was a done deal, much to my mothers disgust. Got my full license last Monday, on the road again! Since then I have joined the KB site and have met some really cool people and learnt heaps about how to ride and had great fun in the process. You fullas know who you are. Love our weekend rides over to the Oko and Thursdays good night for chillin out with a few beams. Had a wicked weekend up north with a fellow KB chik but on the way home my new chain parted company. Managed to keep the bike upright so minimal damage done. Pheew! Some random people stopped to help us and thanx to them and my KB mates got the bike fixed and back home. Cheers guys, you rock!

I to have a problem though. I have short legs and I know Im not alone. Maybe someone can offer some advice to the short legged to avoid those shameful situations. If I put my foot in a hole or stop on sloping ground I have dropped my bike a few times. The result? Bent brake levers, scraped engine and lots of swearing then "shit I feel like a dick." Aside from getting the seat lowered and watching where I stop can anyone offer any advice to keep my bike on its wheels?

I love my little Hornet, great bike to learn on, goes like stink (for a 250) and it is often mistaken for a 600 which of course I dont deny, who would? Even though I have a lot to learn and need to get heaps of experience under my belt but I am looking at upgrading at some stage maybe to a CBR 600.

Have a good night KBs cant make it to the pub tonight Im sick.

[crashe]

Welcome to KB

Yep, you have answered your own question re short legs and looking where you stop. That is all you can do...

If you can normally reach the ground flat footed when the bike is on level ground.... then in this situation as you pull up, judge the lay of the ground.... is it sloping to the left then tilt the bike to the right as you pull up to stop and plant the right foot down NOT the left foot. Cos there is no way your left foot will ever reach the ground.

But should you have to get off at that point, I would suggest finding another parking spot cos all bikes lean to the left on the side stand and therefore the bike will be on a hell of a lean.... so find another parking spot....

But if say you are pulling up to a intersection etc..... and the lay of the land is sloping left... then plant your right foot on the ground and the bike will/may be tilted slightly to the right... but you should be able to hold it upright and be ready to take off... in that situation leave it in 1st gear.

Hope that helps.

[moT]

go to a track day next well worth it

[naughty]

Unfortunately I can only get the ball of my foot down on the ground on a flat surface. When I look for a new bike I hope I can get one a bit lower than my current bike. Your advice is all good, just a matter of getting into the habit of quick thinking when you stop eh. Cheers Crashe.

[naughty]

Your shittin me arent you im a newbie! I have to get serious experience before I do that

[crashe]

Unfortunately I can only get the ball of my foot down on the ground on a flat surface. When I look for a new bike I hope I can get one a bit lower than my current bike. Your advice is all good, just a matter of getting into the habit of quick thinking when you stop eh. Cheers Crashe.

Can you get the bike lowered any more?
Ask one of the KB riders that you hang out with in your area.
Or pop into a bike shop and ask them if it can be lowered any more.


Otherwise get the soles of your riding boots built up even half a inch will help heaps.


Or maybe buy a cruiser then you will have no troubles reaching the ground.

[naughty]

I can get my seat lowered but Id rather learn not to do it if I can otherwise I will be doing it to every bike I own. It is a new rider thing isnt it? Not a bad idea about the boots though, have to look into that

[naughty]

No cruiser - me like sport bike!

[crashe]

I can get my seat lowered but Id rather learn not to do it if I can otherwise I will be doing it to every bike I own. It is a new rider thing isnt it? Not a bad idea about the boots though, have to look into that

Cos you are shortish...... no matter what bike you buy you probably will have to lower the bike...... unless its a cruiser..... but you cant be swayed over to the good side and buy one

But you may be lucky and find another bike that you can fit.... but in this situation you just may have to get it lowered... until you get used to it... and then raise it back up a little at a time..

BTW just how tall are you (in feet an inches)

[naughty]

Im actually not that short just got tidler legs and long back. Im 5"7 and taller than my mate but we have same length legs. Damn you mum!

[naughty]

& I definitely cant be swayed to the other side, sorry

[crashe]

Im actually not that short just got tidler legs and long back. Im 5"7 and taller than my mate but we have same length legs. Damn you mum!

Awwwww its not your mummy's fault....
Yep if you have short legs it is that much harder to find a bike that you can reach the ground on.
Hell I am 4 foot 12inches tall..... so I find it much harder than you ever will.
Just as well I love cruiser bikes.

& I definitely cant be swayed to the other side, sorry

Thats ok I understand....... just like you could never get me to buy a sportbike.

[Biff]

Or maybe buy a cruiser then you will have no troubles reaching the ground.

Stop it girl, you're trying to convert people again. You can't - It's like convincing a straight guy or girl that they're gay. You either like it or you don't. Or if you're undecided you ride a Ducati.



Welcome dude.

[jafar]

& I definitely cant be swayed to the other side, sorry

How do you know unless you try one?
Trainer wheels might help

[naughty]

[QUOTE=crashe;1068578]Awwwww its not your mummy's fault....
Yep if you have short legs it is that much harder to find a bike that you can reach the ground on.
Hell I am 4 foot 12inches tall..... so I find it much harder than you ever will.
Just as well I love cruiser bikes.

Are you serious? No wonder you ride cruisers. Thats not an insult thats like, you poor bugger you cant ride sport bikes. I bet you would if you could.